02 Jul 2015

Botswana Tertiary Students Sports Association (BOTESSA) team is in South Korea to compete at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) games in Gwangju City.

BOTESSA team will be represented under three sports codes; athletics, badminton and tennis. The  11-day event is set to commence today (July 3).

During a send-off ceremony recently in Gaborone, the University of Botswana manager in sports and recreation, Raj Rathedi who travelled with the team assuming the role of public relations officer, started by sharing the story of their journey competing in the FISU games.

“We first took part in the games in 1991. But it was in Sheffield England 1995 Games where we put Botswana on the map.   For the first time we had a Motswana attaining a number of honours and eventually receiving diploma for finishing in the top six- an  athlete by the name of Justice Dipeba,” he said.

He said first time Botswana took part  in 1991 , they sent a small contingent side, comprising only two athletes. However, ever since they have been engaged consistently sending a number of athletes to compete on the biannually event.

Unfortunately, Rathed said this year they did not manage to send their possible best of squad because of some logistical reasons due to monetary constraints. Beacuse of this, they could not facilitate the traveling of some atheles who are based outside the borders of the country.

These included the swimming sensation Naomi Ruele who is based in the United States of America and other athletes who are  based in South Africa.

Despite the challenges, Rathedi said the athletes are ready to compete, adding that though they were not able to assemble their preferred full squad, they chose athletes based on

Botswana national sports council rankings. They have also  used the national records and the recent BOTESSA games as part of their preparations.

He said the teams have been practising well since “ under the best coaches that we have in the country including Justice Dipeba.”

Rathedi said previously BOTESSA participated in FISU Games held in Kazan Russia in 2013 and for the first time in history, the team managed to scoop a gold medal, courtesy of Nijel Amos.

He said the BOTESSA participation came by because of the strategic alignment which the association formed with the University of Botswana who have been a member of the association for some time now.

“I am certain that the athletes taking part in the FISU Games will compete for the best results in the competitions and encouraging atmosphere, at the same time making new friends and experiencing professional sports in South Korea,” he said.

He added that in addition to the prospect of winning medals, the competition gave the athletes an opportunity to learn about other cultures. The athletes are also able to change notes with their counterparts.

He said FISU games expose athletes to a lot of opportunities , citing former sprinter Justice Dipeba who was afforded a scholarship to study in the United States of America after competing in Japan.

The team left on June 30  and is expected back home on July 17. Ends